Integrative taxonomy unveils a new lineage within Acanthogonatus centralis Goloboff, 1995 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Pycnothelidae): description of Acanthogonatus monicae sp. nov. from central Argentina

Abstract

A new species of Pycnothelidae Chamberlin, 1917 from the Pampean mountain ranges, Córdoba, Argentina is described and illustrated: Acanthogonatus monicae sp. nov. Here, we combine morphological analyses, molecular phylogeny based on the COI gene, species delimitation methods (bPTP, ABGD), and ecological niche modeling. These approaches consistently support two independent evolutionary lineages previously assigned to A. centralis Goloboff, 1995. The new species is morphologically similar to A. centralis and A. parana Goloboff, 1995, but differs from both by genitalic characters in males and females. Additionally, an updated identification key for Argentine species of Acanthogonatus is provided.